A fire that occurred in the city of Kut, located in the eastern part of Iraq, has shocked the entire population of the country. According to AFP, as a result of an unpleasant incident at a newly opened shopping center, at least 77 people lost their lives and many others were injured to varying degrees.
Local sources state that this shopping center had been officially opened just five days ago. However, an unexpected disaster occurred on Wednesday night. Officials managed to barely bring the burning building under control thanks to the efforts of firefighters. Currently, emergency services are still searching for the missing.
Accurate information about the number of victims of the new center varies between different sources. Unfortunately, there are also fears that the number of dead and injured may increase further. AFP, referring to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Internal Affairs, confirmed the death of 77 people. In addition, video footage shown on the local INA TV channel depicts the fire engulfing the entire building, with people trying to save themselves by climbing onto the roof.
Various videos circulated on social networks also show the seriousness of the incident: many people were waiting for help on the roof during the fire, while some were heard asking for help with anxious voices. Up to now, ambulances have continued transporting the wounded from the scene to hospitals.
The city’s residents, especially the relatives of the victims, have still not recovered from the shock of last night’s tragedy. They are currently waiting for information from officials about their missing loved ones, friends, and family members. Local doctor Nasir al-Kurashi also told journalists: “No one expected this disaster. We had come to the center with our family to get food, as there was no electricity at home, and we planned to have dinner there. Suddenly, the air conditioner on the second floor exploded and a fire started. People could not get out of the building and burned to death.”
Kut is located 160 kilometers southeast of Baghdad. According to local media, the burnt shopping center was situated in the city center, which is why the tragedy has affected a large part of the population.
Currently, emergency services, doctors, and law enforcement agencies are working to eliminate the consequences of the disaster and provide assistance to the victims. But one thing is clear: this incident will leave a deep mark in the memory of people in Iraq’s new central city for many years to come.
An investigation is underway to determine the exact causes. In the meantime, the consequences of the tragedy have shocked the whole country—this is no secret to anyone. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
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